Parks Updates Beach Improvements For Rockaway

By Miriam Rosenberg

By Miriam Rosenberg

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe announced several improvements at the Rockaway Beach opening on May 25. Joining him are Queens Commissioner of Parks Dorothy Lewandowski and Jill Weber, right, the Parks Department's Rockaway Administrator.
On Friday, New York City's Parks and Recreation announced updated improvements to Rockaway's beaches, in addition to those that were announced by the Parks commissioner when the beaches opened on May 25.

Two weeks ago, Commissioner Adrian Benepe told residents there would be boardwalk restorations from the Beach 70's to the Beach 80's as well as a wheelchair ramp at Beach 117 Street.

A spokesperson for Parks clarified the information given by the commissioner.

"The wheelchair ramp will be a roll-out that will be installed at Beach 116 Street," said Parks representative Abby Lootens, in an email to The Wave. "This is a removable ramp that can be used for baby strollers and bicycles, as well as wheelchairs."

Jill Weber, Parks Department's Rockaway Administrator, added, "This will be the first time people in wheelchairs can get to the ocean."

Lootens also said a new ramp from the street to the boardwalk will be installed at Beach 24 Street.

"[Beach 20 to 23 Streets] will be getting new decking and timbers," continued Lootens.

Improvements include two new lifeguard trailers at Beach 32 and Beach 86 Streets, a new Americans with Disabilities Act compliant restroom at Beach 117 Street and the renovation of the picnic area along Shore Front Parkway.